Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Holly Stofa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-s/ Holly’s Website: https://www.hollystofa.com/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by Durabuilt Windows & Doors. Take the next step to grow your business at durabuiltwindows.com Also brought to you by Brandt. Whatever you need to succeed, Brandt delivers. Let us do the heavy lifting. Learn more at brandt.ca

Welcome to Supply-Build Canada’s first-ever Golf Confessional — a special Thanksgiving episode packed with laughter, stories, and a few surprises from this year’s golf tournaments. Whether it’s a secret swing tip, an unexpected victory, or a bit of on-course drama, we’ve gathered the best (and worst) golf moments from members and guests across Western Canada. Expect a mix of humor, honesty, and a few tales of golf-gone-wrong — all in good fun and completely anonymous. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and maybe a little redemption for your own game.

In the building supply industry, travel comes with the territory. Whether you’re a sales associate visiting job sites or a manager attending conferences, you’re often on the move because this industry thrives on connection and relationships. But what happens when the unexpected strikes on the road? Lost baggage, flight delays, or a medical emergency abroad — travel insurance can save you more than just stress; it can save you thousands of dollars! In this episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Karley Middleton, Benefits Consultant at HUB International, to unpack the ins and outs of travel coverage for industry professionals. They break down how different policies work, share real-world examples of when travel insurance makes all the difference, and discuss how to protect yourself, your family and your team from costly pitfalls. Who it’s for: Anyone who travels frequently — from business development managers, sales professionals and account reps visiting customers, to business owners, finance teams managing travel budgets, and HR professionals overseeing employee policies. If your work takes you on the road more than you’re at your desk, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how to travel smarter, safer, and more cost-effectively — wherever work takes you. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Karley Middleton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karley-middleton-a8553a36/ HUB International: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hub-international-canada/

No matter the size of your operation, manufacturers face significant risks. The impact of a serious loss can be greater than in almost any other industry—Are you confident your facility is properly insured? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Alex Hawkins, Underwriting Director at Federated Insurance, to explore and break down the evolving risk landscape manufacturers face. They dive into growing threats of cyber security and the use of AI in social engineering attacks, to the increasing frequency of natural disasters. They explore how the insurance industry is adapting to these modern challenges. Alex also shares insights into emerging trends, including a shift toward a partnership-based model between insurers and businesses; one that goes beyond simply covering costs to actively supporting risk prevention and recovery. Tune in to learn how to better protect your business and prepare for the unexpected. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Alex Hawkins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhhawkins/ Federated Insurance: https://www.linkedin.com/company/federated-insurance-company-of-canada/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by Durabuilt Windows & Doors. Take the next step to grow your business at durabuiltwindows.com Also brought to you by Brandt. Whatever you need to succeed, Brandt delivers. Let us do the heavy lifting. Learn more at brandt.ca

Leadership is a journey – are you ready to lead? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Blake Wheeler, former captain of the Winnipeg Jets, and Cody Miller, Director of Novus Global Construction Services & Executive Coach. Together, they explore Blake’s leadership journey, the experiences that drive his "why," and how he’s now helping leaders in both sports and business thrive through his work with Novus Global. The business world can learn a lot from the world of sport. What if we approached our work with the same focus on physical and mental performance as professional athletes do – showing up as our best selves every day? Coaches play a vital role in helping us reach the next level. Just as we invest in wellness coaches or personal trainers, we should also consider investing in mental performance and leadership development. We hope today’s podcast will inspire you to approach your leadership as a “muscle” that needs to be trained and encourages you to take the next step in your leadership development! Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Blake Wheeler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-wheeler-5a378b332/ Cody Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/codymiller12/ Novus Global: https://novus.global/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by Brandt. Whatever you need to succeed, Brandt delivers. Let us do the heavy lifting. Learn more at brandt.ca Also brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Learn more at hilinetreated.com

What is your communication style? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Genny Sacco-Bak, An instructor at University of Winnipeg PACE and owner of Coffee with Genny B Media. Together, they explore the many “flavors” of communication: from body language and public speaking to crafting impactful introductions and learning self-awareness. Genny also shares her insights from her work at the University of Winnipeg’s PACE program and Toastmasters as a communication instructor, along with her journey with her own podcast, Coffee with Genny B. Offering practical tips and personal stories along the way. Tune in and discover your flavor of communication! Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Genny Sacco-Bak: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gennyb/ Genny’s Podcast, Coffee with Genny B: https://open.spotify.com/show/1JHUoFtG8rfM3kRozG3hmV Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Learn more at hilinetreated.com Also brought to you by Durabuilt Windows & Doors. Take the next step to grow your business at durabuiltwindows.com

Ever wondered how your leadership style stacks up and how you can make it even better? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with R.M. Caligiuri, CEO, Lecturer, and Keynote Speaker at Caligiuri Leadership, to explore his unique approach to developing Conscious Intelligence (CQ) in leaders. R.M. shares his journey from a career in marketing and sales to coaching leaders across businesses of all sizes. He opens up about the challenges he faces when building authentic connections and guiding leaders, especially in the fast-paced marketing world, and the power of patience in cultivating meaningful relationships. Tune in for insights on how to level up your leadership—starting with yourself. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ R.M. Caligiuri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmcaligiuri/ R.M.’s Website: https://www.calileadership.com/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by Durabuilt Windows & Doors. Take the next step to grow your business at durabuiltwindows.com Also brought to you by Brandt. Whatever you need to succeed, Brandt delivers. Let us do the heavy lifting. Learn more at brandt.ca

What does it take to go from zero experience to leading a sales team? Season 4 of Across the Yard is back! In this week’s episode, Liz sits down with Eric Dalton, Director of Sales and Business Development at DFM West Distribution, to explore his sales journey and the resilience it took to succeed in door-to-door sales. Eric shares his story, starting with zero experience and the lessons he learned navigating different industries while mastering the art of making a fast but lasting first impression. Tune in to listen to Eric’s journey from a newcomer in the business, to Director in the world of sales. Enjoy the show! Update on Across the Yard’s season schedule: Across the Yard will be uploading on a weekly basis up until July, where we will be taking a break between July and August, and will return on the first week of September. Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Eric Dalton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-dalton-17287790/ DFM West Distribution: http://dfmwest.ca/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by Brandt. Whatever you need to succeed, Brandt delivers. Let us do the heavy lifting. Learn more at brandt.ca Along with HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Learn more at hilinetreated.com

The future of Canada manufacturing has never been more unpredictable, so how are industry leaders adapting? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz sits down with Sid Tetz, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at CGC Inc. to explore how manufacturers are navigating today’s complex landscape. They dive into the realities of servicing different regions and rural communities across Canada, and the growing importance of advocacy within the industry. The conversation also covers Sid's perspective on the pressures of tariffs, the push for innovation at the jobsite to better support retailers and builders, and what it truly takes to meet Canada’s ambitious housing targets. Tune in to hear the latest insights in the Canadian manufacturing landscape. Enjoy the show! Notice: Across the Yard will be on break until mid-August. See you all soon! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Sid Tetz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sid-tetz-98a78124/?originalSubdomain=ca CGC: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cgc-inc-/?originalSubdomain=ca Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by Durabuilt Windows & Doors. Take the next step to grow your business at durabuiltwindows.com

Looking to transform your outdoor living space this season? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz sits down with Rob Mitchell, President and CEO of Vista Railing Systems Inc. And Rob Stewart, Office Manager of DeckRite Canada Sundecks Ltd. to discuss the latest trends in Canadian outdoor living. They explore regional preferences, underutilized products, and emerging trends in the industry. The conversation also touches on how contractors and dealers can maximize sales on these products, as well as the potential impact of aluminum tariffs on the market. Tune in to hear the latest trends in Canadian outdoor living in this week’s episode on Across the Yard! Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Rob Mitchell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-mitchell-50aa618/?originalSubdomain=ca Vista Railing System Inc: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vistarailingsystems/ Rob Stewart: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rstewart29/ Deckrite Canada Sundecks Ltd: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deckrite-canada-sundecks/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by Durabuilt Windows & Doors. Take the next step to grow your business at durabuiltwindows.com

What happens when a family’s journey across continents leads to a thriving business in Canada? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, we are joined by Rebekah Doerksen, Executive Assistant with Supply-Build Canada, as this week's temporary host, and Harry Sunner, owner of Durabuilt Windows & Doors, to talk about his journey from living in England to leading one of Canada’s most successful window and door companies. Harry shares how his family got into the industry, what it’s like growing a family-owned business, and the leadership lessons he's learned while scaling Durabuilt. They also explore the unique challenges of succession, innovation in a traditional field, and what it takes to stay resilient in a competitive market. Tune in to hear the unique journey of Durabuilt’s origins and growth in this week’s episode of Across the Yard. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Harry Sunner: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/harry-sunner-3204a72b Durabuilt: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/durabuilt-windows-&-doors Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Learn more at hilinetreated.com

Every business, no matter big or small, deals with mundane, repetitive tasks. From processing invoices to managing warehouse & stock reconciliation. But what if you could handle all of that and focus on bigger projects at the same time? In this week's episode, Liz sits down with Mohan Mailvaganam, National Canadian Practice Leader at Xerox, to explore the company’s surprising evolution from a legacy printer brand to a provider of cutting-edge business solutions, with today’s focus on their Robotics Process Automation (or RPAs). They also dive into Xerox’s journey from expanding beyond printers, what RPAs are and how they work, and how any business, regardless of size, can benefit. Tune in to discover the latest innovation from an unexpected place. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Mohan Mailvaganam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohan-mailvaganam-92833111/ Xerox: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xerox/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Learn more at hilinetreated.com

Did you ever imagine yourself in the building supply industry– or even owning a business in it? In this week's episode, Liz sits down with Rob and Joanne Lawrie, owners of The Lawrie Group of Home Hardware Stores, to hear the story of how they got started and built their business together. They talk about their early days, what it’s like running a company as a couple, and the challenges they faced along the way. Rob and Joanne also discuss their plans for the future, along with sharing advice for the next generation who are either hesitant about joining the industry or are already a part of it. Tune in to hear their inspiring journey in this week’s episode on Across the Yard. Enjoy the Show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Rob Lawrie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-lawrie-97ab4a3a/ Joanne Lawrie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-lawrie-456419264/ The Lawrie Group of Home, Home Hardware: https://thelawriegroup.ca/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by Durabuilt Windows & Doors. Take the next step to grow your business at durabuiltwindows.com

With the Canadian election now behind us, the building supply and construction industry has a brighter spotlight than ever before in the public eye. But what does the road ahead look like? In this week’s episode, Rodrigue Gilbert, president of the Canadian Construction Association, sits down with Liz Kovach to unpack the election results and explore what this means for the industry’s future. They touch on recent advocacy wins, what they hope to see from the government, and the biggest challenges that are currently facing this industry. They also dive into how government and communities can do better to address the labour shortage we are facing and how you can help drive that progress. Don’t miss this timely discussion on the opportunities, roadblocks and critical next steps shaping Canada’s construction and building supply landscape. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Rodrigue Gilbert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigue-gilbert-56950210/ Canadian Construction Association: https://www.cca-acc.com/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Introduce your customers to HiLine Treated wood – ideal for use in decks, fences, landscaping and general exterior construction, with its rich, natural tone, and no special fasteners required, it’s the ideal choice for outdoor projects. Combine this with a high-quality substrate, and West Fraser’s HiLine Treated wood delivers exceptional value to both dealers and consumers. Learn more at hilinetreated.com

Do you ever wonder how you can better connect with people? Why people are the way they are? Or how to improve the workplace culture? Are you aware of how much time the human brain spends in survival mode? (you will be shocked to hear the stat!!!) On this week’s Across the Yard, Liz sits down with Dr. Eugene K. Choi, a Neuroscience-Based Leadership Coach, to discuss the science behind the survival and executive state of the brain and how it influences our thoughts, behaviors, and interactions every single day. From workplace dynamics to personal relationships, they dive into the unconscious patterns that shape our reactions, and how becoming aware of them can help us grow, connect, and communicate better. Tune in to discover how understanding your brain can transform the way you see yourself and those around you. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: supplybuild.ca Dr. Eugene K. Choi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugenekchoi/ Eugene’s website: https://destinyhacks.co/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Introduce your customers to HiLine Treated wood – ideal for use in decks, fences, landscaping and general exterior construction, with its rich, natural tone, and no special fasteners required, it’s the ideal choice for outdoor projects. Combine this with a high-quality substrate, and West Fraser’s HiLine Treated wood delivers exceptional value to both dealers and consumers. Learn more at hilinetreated.com

All it takes is a spark to lose everything. So, what can we do to better protect our homes from fire? This week, Liz welcomes Mike Baker, CEO of BarrierTek, and Ewan Davie, Vice President of Sales, to break down the science behind engineering fire-resistant treatments. They share the research that led to them to create this innovative treatment, challenges they've faced, their upcoming plans for BarrierTek, and much more! Tune in to this week’s episode to discover the science behind preventing fire in wood construction. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: supplybuild.ca Supply-Build Canada Support Local Campaign - find local building supply retailers near you: supplybuildcanada.info/shoplocal BarrierTek: https://www.barriertek.com/ Mike Baker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelryanbaker/ Ewan Davie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ewan-davie-6b035747/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Introduce your customers to HiLine Treated wood – ideal for use in decks, fences, landscaping and general exterior construction, with its rich, natural tone, and no special fasteners required, it’s the ideal choice for outdoor projects. Combine this with a high-quality substrate, and West Fraser’s HiLine Treated wood delivers exceptional value to both dealers and consumers. Learn more at hilinetreated.com

It has been a perplexing week to say the least. For weeks Canada has been accused of many things and we fully expected sweeping tariffs to be implemented on the 2nd, however Canada and Mexico did not make it onto the sweeping list of announcements on April 2nd, yet there is no real sense of relief, and the uncertainty continues. As a business, it’s impossible to chart a course when the road map continues to change. Don Humphrey joins Liz Kovach to help shed light on where we are now, what may unfold and where some potential opportunities lie for Canada. While we don’t have a crystal ball, there may be some positive outcomes for Canada as we navigate the through the chaos as a country. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: supplybuild.ca Supply-Build Canada Support Local Campaign - find local building supply retailers near you: wrla.org/shop-local.html Sexton Group Ltd: sextongroup.com/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Introduce your customers to HiLine Treated wood – ideal for use in decks, fences, landscaping and general exterior construction, with its rich, natural tone, and no special fasteners required, it’s the ideal choice for outdoor projects. Combine this with a high-quality substrate, and West Fraser’s HiLine Treated wood delivers exceptional value to both dealers and consumers. Learn more at hilinetreated.com

Housing affordability has been a prominent topic of discussion for many years, but are we actually taking steps to get there? On this week’s bonus episode of Across the Yard, host Liz Kovach, Jim Tobin President & CEO of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and Kevin Lee CEO of the Canadian Association of Home Builders (CHBA) discuss the current climate of affordable housing and the direction it's heading both in Canada and the United States. Tariffs, duties, building codes, are just some of the items on the immediate horizon that will impact the economy and housing affordability. Tune into this in-depth episode to gain perspective from both a Canadian and American view. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: supplybuild.ca Supply-Build Canada Support Local Campaign - find local building supply retailers near you: supplybuildcanada.info/shoplocal National Association of Home Builders (NAHB): https://www.nahb.org/ Canadian Association of Home Builders (CHBA): https://www.chba.ca/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Introduce your customers to HiLine Treated wood – ideal for use in decks, fences, landscaping and general exterior construction, with its rich, natural tone, and no special fasteners required, it’s the ideal choice for outdoor projects. Combine this with a high-quality substrate, and West Fraser’s HiLine Treated wood delivers exceptional value to both dealers and consumers.

At some point, we all encounter broken glass. Whether we break it, someone else does, or it breaks on its own, what solution do we have to solve that problem? To make it stronger, of course! This week on Across the Yard, Liz Kovach and Vince Croker discuss the thought process and motivation behind creating unbreakable glass, the possible impacts of tariffs, how insurance plays a role, and how ROCKGLASS can transform community and public spaces. Tune in to discover how much actually goes into this innovative technology. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: supplybuild.ca Supply-Build Canada Support Local Campaign - find local building supply retailers near you: supplybuildcanada.info/shoplocal ClearSecure: https://rockglass.ca/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Introduce your customers to HiLine Treated wood – ideal for use in decks, fences, landscaping and general exterior construction, with its rich, natural tone, and no special fasteners required, it’s the ideal choice for outdoor projects. Combine this with a high-quality substrate, and West Fraser’s HiLine Treated wood delivers exceptional value to both dealers and consumers. Learn more at hilinetreated.com

We often hear that the Canadian economy is built on small to medium sized business, but they face some of the largest challenges to thrive and prosper. Join us as Peter Turkstra, owner of Turkstra Lumber and industry advocate, joins Liz Kovach on this episode of Across the Yard to talk candidly about the issues impacting his retail business in Ontario. The building supply sector is a significant employer and contributor to the economy across the country, but it’s often overlooked by government. To achieve affordable housing in Canada, government at all levels must engage with all facets of the construction industry to understand how their policies and bureaucracy have a negative impact and create obstacles. Many of our independent retail members will likely relate! With more tariffs looming, it is critical for government to work with industry to remove barriers to successful business. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: supplybuild.ca Supply-Build Canada Support Local Campaign - find local building supply retailers near you: wrla.org/shop-local.html Turkstra Lumber: https://turkstralumber.com/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Introduce your customers to HiLine Treated wood – ideal for use in decks, fences, landscaping and general exterior construction, with its rich, natural tone, and no special fasteners required, it’s the ideal choice for outdoor projects. Combine this with a high-quality substrate, and West Fraser’s HiLine Treated wood delivers exceptional value to both dealers and consumers. Learn more at hilinetreated.com